Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pathology

Researchers in the Department of Pathology study disease processes relevant to medicine at a molecular level. Our curriculum starts with core courses in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, genetics and cell biology, and builds to advanced studies of the molecular basis of human disease. The departmental program is designed to give a broad background in molecular biology of disease processes, with advanced training in one of the areas of specialization of the department: inflammation, tumor biology, vascular biology, infectious diseases, and vaccine development. Inflammation research is aimed at investigating episodes that occur when white blood cells and their products interact with host cells and tissues or infectious pathogens. Tumor biology involves analysis of neoplastic events and the application of novel therapies. Vascular biology seeks to understand processes occurring at the interface between the vessel and the blood wall. Vaccine development involves identification of vaccine antigen candidates and appropriate adjuvants to boost immune responses. Students are encouraged to tailor their own programs to meet individual goals, and there is close interaction with the Toxicology, Immunology, Cancer Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Genetics programs. Resources for study include access to the Cancer Center Isolation Facility, tissue bank, and electron microscope facilities.